Despite intense hydration plan, Tigers’ Casey Mize can’t find antidote to muscle cramps

DETROIT Casey Mize has had to overcome both Tommy John surgery and a delicate procedure on his back to return to a place of prominence in the Tigers rotation.Hes also had to remake his arsenal and relearn how to pitch with his surgically-repaired body parts.Related ArticlesCMUs Dietrich Enns shines in MLB return, Tigers run away from AsJacob Lopez continues hot stretch with 7 innings in the Athletics 3-0 win over the TigersDingler and Carpenter homer to lift Tigers over Athletics 11-4Tarik Skubals take on future free agency: Im focused on winning, Tigers should be, tooTigers salvage series finale vs.

Rays to halt 3-game losing skidAs he prepares to take the mound against the Twins on Saturday, his 7-2 record and 2.88 ERA is testament to his resiliency.But there is one ailment that continues to bedevil him.

Muscle cramps.

They forced him out of the game in the fifth inning in his last start in the 90-plus degree heat in Tampa over the weekend, and its something he deals with regularly, usually after every start.When AJ (Hinch) said this is something weve dealt with before, its all been postgame for me, Mize said Thursday.

I hadnt left a game with cramping issues before.

But this year and even in the past, when I get up into the clubhouse, like 20 minutes after the game, I cramp pretty good.It hasnt affected my in-game stuff until Tampa.Heat exhaustion was an issue across the league last week, with both the Reds Elly De La Cruz and the Mariners Trent Thornton needing medical attention in-game.

Thornton was carted off the field.And with the heat index reading 100 degrees in Tampa, its impressive Mize was as strong as he was for five innings and 80 pitches.

But why is Mize cramping after starts and in less intense weather?I dont know, he said.

Im hydrating like I need to.

We had a meeting of the minds (earlier this week) with the training staff, dietician, doctors, everybody.

I am doing everything by the book.I feel like Im pretty buttoned up, man.Mize then detailed his intense hydration regimen.I drink half my body weight in ounces of water every day, he said.

The day before my start, I get a ton of electrolytes and a ton of water.

On the day of my start, I get a ton of electrolytes and a ton of water.Before the game, I eat a banana and then during the game I eat three bananas.

And I get some honey and sugar intake, as well.He also wraps his neck in an ammonia cold towel and escapes into the cool of the clubhouse between innings.What else can anybody do?Yeah, I mean, were doing everything we can, he said.

Well keep digging and see what helps.The forecast for Saturday afternoon shows temperatures in the low 80s with 70% humidity.

Not totally comfortable, but far less cramp-inducing than what he dealt with at Steinbrenner Field last Sunday.Maybe just stay away from Steinbrenner Field for a while, Mize said..

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